The Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) has partnered with Microsoft South Africa to launch the advanced digital skills program. Microsoft South Africa partnered with the intention to produce future ready graduates that have the required skills that are needed in the work environment.
IFOW has launched the Microsoft Advanced Digital Skills (MADS) program in partnership with Microsoft South Africa with the aim to equip graduates, employers, employees, and industry leaders with critical digital skills to help them navigate the evolving job market and prepare for the demands of the future. The program was launched on October 2, 2024, at IFOW, Ditsela Place.
The Microsoft Advanced Digital Skills Program focuses on equipping graduates, employers, employees, and industry leaders with skills that match current technological trends and industry demands. As Mr Tseliso Mohlomi, Senior Director at IFOW, explained, “the university is creating an ecosystem where you will not only learn but also apply these skills, these skills will make our students to be more competitive in the job market”.
During the launch, Ms Helen Mogashoa, Microsoft South Africa’s Corporate and Government Affairs Lead, emphasized the importance of the partnership, noting that it would empower graduates, employers, employees, and industry leaders with the
latest digital tools and skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world. “The partnership is about bridging the gap between education and industry,” she explained, “and ensuring that the employers, employees, and graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to compete and succeed in the workplace of tomorrow.”
Mr Mohlomi elaborated on the goals of the program, explaining that it is designed to tackle key challenges faced by both the university and society, particularly around graduate unemployment, and employability. “Our aim is to produce future-ready graduates,” he said. “These are graduates who, upon completing their studies, can either find employment or start their own businesses. This program will help ensure they have an advantage in the industry.”
The program will also provide opportunities for lecturers to undergo specialized training. The Tshwane University of Technology is committed to training the trainers, ensuring that lecturers are well prepared to teach advanced digital skills to students. The initiative will enable lecturers to stay updated with the latest Microsoft platforms and tools, ultimately improving the overall quality of education. In addition to preparing graduates, employees, and employers for future employment, the program aims to address the growing issue of job automation. Mr Mohlomi noted that many jobs are at risk of becoming obsolete due to technological advancements, and the partnership with Microsoft seeks to reskill the workforce to prevent job losses. “We need to work with industry to ensure that no one loses their job to machines,” he said, emphasizing the need for forward-thinking strategies.
The launch of the Microsoft Advanced Digital Skills Program is a significant step towards ensuring that graduates, employers, employees, and industry leaders remain future-ready. This program will help them thrive in an increasingly digital and automated world.
The intake of the program is in February 2025. It is a 12-month program, and the registrations are now open. Please use this link https://forms.office.com/r/A7CxfEYRR8 to apply for the Microsoft Advanced Digital Skills program and attach the required documents.
